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ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...

Electrocardiogram

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.

ECG Interpretation of Rhythms

ECG Interpretation of Rhythms

An electrocardiogram (ECG)graphically represents the heart's electrical activity on ECG paper or a monitor.
Components of the Electrocardiogram
The primary components of a normal ECG waveform in Normal sinus rhythm(NSR) include the P wave, PR interval, QRS complex, ST segment, T wave, and occasionally a U wave.
ECG waveforms are divided by vertical and horizontal lines at standard intervals.
The horizontal axis measures time and rate, and the vertical axis measures amplitude or voltage. When...

Electrocardiogram Fundamentals

Electrocardiogram Fundamentals

Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin to...

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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

Wellen's syndrome: An ominous EKG pattern.

Nicole E Mead¹, Kelly P O'Keefe

¹Department of Emergency Medicine, University of South Florida, Florida, USA.

Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock

|December 17, 2009

Summary

Wellen's syndrome, a specific EKG pattern, indicates critical blockage in the left anterior descending artery. Prompt cardiac catheterization can prevent imminent anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI).

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Diagnostic Electrocardiography

Background:

Wellen's syndrome is a distinct electrocardiogram (EKG) finding characterized by specific T-wave abnormalities during pain-free intervals in patients with intermittent chest pain.
This EKG pattern is associated with a high-grade stenosis in the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery.
Untreated, this condition carries a significant risk of progressing to acute anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI).

Purpose of the Study:

To report a case of Wellen's syndrome in a young patient with no prior cardiac history.
To highlight the diagnostic significance of Wellen's T-waves in predicting acute coronary events.
To emphasize the importance of urgent intervention for proximal LAD stenosis identified by Wellen's syndrome.

Main Methods:

Case report of a young male patient presenting with intermittent chest pain.

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A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

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Electrocardiogram (EKG) interpretation revealing classic Wellen's T-wave patterns.

Urgent cardiac catheterization to assess coronary artery anatomy.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a drug-eluting stent to address significant LAD stenosis.

Main Results:

The patient's EKG showed characteristic Wellen's T-waves.
Cardiac catheterization revealed a 95% stenosis in the proximal LAD artery.
Successful stenting of the LAD lesion was performed, restoring blood flow.
The patient experienced resolution of symptoms and prevention of MI.

Conclusions:

Wellen's syndrome is a critical indicator of impending anterior wall myocardial infarction due to proximal LAD occlusion.
Early recognition of Wellen's T-waves on EKG is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention.
Prompt cardiac catheterization and revascularization can effectively prevent major adverse cardiac events in patients with Wellen's syndrome.